Enhancing the Mathematical Sciences Workforce in the 21st Century | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the EMSW21 grant opportunity?

Enhancing the Mathematical Sciences Workforce in the 21st Century (EMSW21) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary grant program focused on workforce development in the mathematical sciences. It aims to increase the number of well-prepared U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents who advance into careers in the mathematical sciences and other NSF-supported disciplines.

Which agency offers EMSW21?

EMSW21 is offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

What is the opportunity number and solicitation reference for EMSW21?

The opportunity number is NSF 05-595, and it is referenced as NSF Publication 05-595.

What is the main purpose of EMSW21?

The central, long-term purpose is workforce development. In practical terms, EMSW21 supports efforts to strengthen the pipeline into research, teaching, and other mathematically intensive careers by improving training environments, research engagement, mentoring structures, and professional development across multiple career stages.

Who is the program intended to benefit?

The program is intended to benefit trainees and participants across multiple stages of development, with an overarching goal of increasing the number of well-prepared U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents entering mathematical sciences careers and careers in other NSF-supported fields.

What category does this grant fall under?

The program is listed under the Science and Technology/Research and Development category.

What CFDA number and NSF directorate/area are associated with this opportunity?

The listing includes CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences), identifying it within NSF's Mathematical and Physical Sciences context.

How is EMSW21 structured?

EMSW21 has three related program components: Vertical Integration of Research and Education (VIGRE), Research Training Groups (RTG), and Mentoring through Critical Transition Points (MCTP). Each component uses a different strategy to develop mathematical sciences talent.

What is VIGRE (Vertical Integration of Research and Education)?

VIGRE supports a department-wide approach that spans the full continuum of training, from undergraduates to graduate students to postdoctoral associates. It is designed to build a connected training ecosystem where learners at different stages engage with each other and with research-active faculty in a coordinated departmental framework.

What kinds of activities does a VIGRE-style project typically support?

Based on the description provided, a VIGRE-style project typically supports integrated activities that connect undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs to coherent research and training experiences, mentoring, and professional development, all organized at the department level rather than within a single lab or narrow faculty subset.

What is an RTG (Research Training Group)?

An RTG supports the training activities of a group of faculty who share a common research interest. Unlike VIGRE, RTG is organized around a research theme or cluster rather than an entire department.

How does RTG differ from VIGRE?

RTG is narrower in scope and centered on a specific research theme or faculty cluster, while VIGRE emphasizes a department-wide, vertically integrated training approach spanning undergraduates through postdocs.

What is MCTP (Mentoring through Critical Transition Points)?

MCTP focuses on mentoring at key stages when trainees are most likely to leave the pathway. It concentrates effort on specified transition points in professional development and is oriented toward building robust mentoring and support systems that help individuals navigate high-stakes career junctures.

What are examples of "critical transition points" referenced by MCTP?

While the summary does not list an exhaustive set, it typically refers to transitions such as moving from undergraduate to graduate study, from graduate school to postdoctoral appointments, and from postdoctoral roles to more permanent positions.

Does MCTP have to be organized around a single research theme like RTG?

Based on the description provided, MCTP is less about a single research theme and more about mentoring and support systems targeted to key transition points.

How many awards does NSF expect to make under this opportunity?

The listing indicates an expected 15 awards.

What is the estimated total funding available?

The estimated total funding amount shown is $20,500,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Is there an award minimum (floor) or maximum (ceiling) listed?

The award ceiling and floor are both listed as $0 in the summary fields. This typically indicates that specific award sizes are not captured in that particular record and that applicants should consult the full solicitation for guidance on award size and budget expectations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as "Unrestricted" (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications or additional conditions that may be included in the full solicitation text.

Where should applicants look for the definitive eligibility requirements?

The definitive eligibility details would be in the full announcement/solicitation referenced as NSF Publication 05-595.

When was this opportunity posted?

The posting date shown is July 7, 2005.

What were the key submission deadlines listed?

The original closing date shown is October 12, 2005. Subsequent cycles are indicated as June 6, 2006, and then the first Tuesday in June in following years.

What is the "current closing date" shown in the record?

The record captures a current closing date of June 1, 2010, along with the note indicating recurring deadlines (June 6, 2006, and then the first Tuesday in June thereafter) during that period.

Does the listing suggest EMSW21 had recurring annual deadlines?

Yes. The key dates indicate recurring cycles, including a pattern of submissions on the first Tuesday in June in following years (after the earlier dates listed).

Where can someone find additional official information about EMSW21?

The record references an "Additional Information Link" pointing to NSF Publication 05-595.

Who should be contacted for technical problems accessing the electronic announcement or links?

The contact information in the listing is oriented toward technical assistance and directs users to the NSF Webmaster for website-related problems (such as difficulty accessing the electronic announcement or resolving linking issues).

Is the contact listed a program officer for proposal guidance?

The information provided indicates the contact is for technical assistance (web access/linking issues). It does not identify a program officer contact for proposal or programmatic questions in the summary provided.

What types of career outcomes is the program trying to support?

The program is intended to strengthen the pipeline into research, teaching, and other mathematically intensive careers, including careers in disciplines supported by NSF.

Which career stages are emphasized across the EMSW21 components?

Across the three components, the description references undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates, as well as transitions into more permanent positions.